The world of Fortnite is about to get a whole lot cuter. Epic Games has just pulled back the curtain on Sidekicks, an adorable new feature that lets players bring along pint-sized companions into battle royale matches and across the entire Fortnite ecosystem.
Think of Sidekicks as your personal entourage—tiny creatures that tag along wherever you go. While they won’t help you secure that Victory Royale (they’re purely cosmetic, after all), these critters add a delightful layer of personality to your gameplay experience. Players will be able to deck out their new friends with charming accessories, making each Sidekick uniquely their own.
Meet your new companions
Leading the charge is Peels, an impossibly cute banana-colored puppy who’s set to become the first Sidekick available when the next battle pass drops on November 1st. But Peels is just the beginning. Later in November, the in-game shop will welcome additional companions including Bonesy, Spike, and Lil-Raptor. And for the feline enthusiasts out there, Epic has dropped hints about a cat-themed Sidekick arriving sometime soon. This initial roster is only scratching the surface—knowing Fortnite’s track record with collaborations, expect plenty of crossover characters to join the lineup down the road.
Interactive features and customization rules
What makes these little buddies special? For starters, they’re interactive. Epic is introducing dedicated Sidekick emotes that let you engage with your companion directly. Want to see your banana dog bust a move? There’s probably an emote for that. The company also promises these creatures will “react to the world around you,” though the specifics of this feature remain somewhat mysterious for now.
There’s one interesting catch to the customization system: once you’ve personalized your Sidekick, that’s it—you get one shot at customization per acquisition, according to Epic’s official help documentation. However, there’s a workaround. Players can purchase multiple copies of the same Sidekick, each with different customization options. This means you could theoretically build a collection of Lil Raptors in various colors—say, one sporting red scales and another rocking green—but you can’t have duplicate Sidekicks with identical customizations.
At the end of the day, Sidekicks tap into something universally appealing: who can resist a loyal little companion trotting beside them through virtual battlefields? Sure, they don’t offer tactical advantages, but watching a tiny creature perform tricks or groove to your commands adds an undeniable charm to the experience. For Epic Games, it’s a clever monetization strategy wrapped in an irresistible package—and let’s be honest, plenty of players will happily open their wallets for these adorable additions to their Fortnite collection.